The Block Watch program has been bringing residents together to help increase safety in Vancouver neighbourhoods since 1987. With over 400 Block Watch groups, that’s 8000 extra pairs of trained eyes and ears across the city – all looking out for each other and their property.
In addition to receiving help with most crime, safety and nuisance issues, the program’s main purpose is to help reduce residential break-ins and thefts from vehicles. It provides a greater awareness to neighbours on how to be alert to and report suspicious activities.
Block Watch is all about neighbours helping neighbours.
How Does it Work?
Our Block Watch staff provide resources to help you connect with your neighbours and then train and support your group to work together to reduce crime and create a more connected and safer neighbourhood.
Benefits of a Block Watch Membership
- Proactive Block Watch groups create safer neighbourhoods and/or complexes
- Valuable training to learn what, how, and when to report suspicious activity
- Receive weekly crime awareness information so you know what is happening in your neighbourhood and you can be better prepared
- Connection with your neighbours, so you can look out for each other’s safety and property, and feel a greater sense of community
How Much Time Does it Take?
Once you have completed the steps to activate your Block Watch group, being a Block Watch Lead takes about an hour a month to create an effective group. We encourage an annual Block Watch block party and/or meeting to help neighbours get to know each other and build a sense of community.
Block Watch members are encouraged to take part in online training to learn about what to look out for and tips to make your home less attractive to thieves, as well as attend an annual meeting with their group.
Learn about the role and responsibilities of the Block Watch Lead.
Steps to Starting a Block Watch
1. Email your Vancouver address to the
Block Watch Office.
Non-Vancouver residents can visit Block Watch Society of BC to find your local Block Watch program.
If there is an established Block Watch to join, your query will be sent to the Lead, who will contact you to get involved with their group.
If there is NOT a Block Watch to join, you will receive an email for you and/or a neighbour to get a Block Watch started. See the steps below to learn about the duties of the Lead’s role, and steps to activate a team.
2. Select a Block Lead, and submit applications: Leads are the liaisons between the VPD and their Block Watch group of neighbours. Each Lead submits an application, is booked to attend the VPD located at 2120 Cambie for a free Police Information Check, and then completes a 15-minute telephone or Zoom suitability interview. Successful candidates are then registered for training.
3. Block Watch orientation sessions and start-up supplies:Once training is complete, we will contact you to discuss your start-up supply needs to involve your neighbours. You will be provided a template to gather a minimum of 10 neighbours’ names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers, to share alerts about suspicious or criminal activity in the area.
4. Gather your neighbours: Invite the Block Watch Constable to your first neighbourhood Block Watch gathering to help your group get to know one another. At this session, the constable can provide a site security assessment, tell your group about current crime trends in your area, Block Watch train your group, and identify where your Block Watch street signs will be installed.
5. Block Watch street signs: Once Leads have told us about their group, they receive their free Block Watch street sign.
Become a Block Watch Lead
Neighbourhoods with a Block Watch feel safer — and more connected. When people know each other, they look out for each other. It’s that simple.
Block Watch has been helping Vancouver residents build safer, more supportive communities since 1987. Today, there are over 400 active groups across the city — that’s more than 8,000 extra pairs of trained eyes and ears helping keep watch.
But there’s still room to grow. Many blocks and buildings don’t yet have a Block Watch presence — and a little involvement can make a big difference.
Strong neighbourhoods start with neighbours who know one another.
Become a Block Watch Lead for your block or complex.
Feedback
If you have questions or feedback about what you’d like to see added to this page, please email us at blockwatch@vpd.ca.
